Traditions

Mike was lucky enough back in October to get tickets to the Christmas Concert at the LDS Conference Center, our weekend arrived and if something didn't come up to make things a little tricky it wouldn't be life! My roommate from college Penny, her Dad died from a stroke and the viewing was Friday night. We decided to go to the viewing before eating dinner and before the concert. After tearful hugs and loves goodbye to Penny and Pete and Marilyn, we headed to go find dinner only to realize we left the tickets at home. I saw we because Makinzee didn't even think about tickets, and when Mike mouthed while I was in the car something, I said yes and started the car with the keys I had (thinking he asked do you have the keys). So with an hour to spare for dinner we headed from Bountiful back to West Jordan and then back to downtown for the show. Jack and Maddy were with us and were very very very patient and went without dinner as did Mike and I. We'll we stopped at a street vendor and they had a donut. The concert was nice, Lexi and Lilly got spoiled by Grandpa who picked them up and took them to McDonald's and then to their ward party. Santa was there. I'd say he is the REAL Santa. 

 He told Lexi she needed a new tooth from Christmas!

 She also told Santa she wanted a bunny for Christmas. Like a live bunny! When Santa asked if there was something else she'd like she said something like a lap top at least that's what Grandma heard! 

 Cute Lilly was a chit chatter and could have sat and talked to Santa all night!

 Lilly was asking for a puppy (a live puppy).  And when Santa asked about maybe something else in case the puppy didn't meet with her Mom's approval, she said she'd like a dog.  Hahaha. But really she was asking for a puppy purse, not sure what the dog part is. She's been telling everyone she wants a puppy purse!

 The concert was beautiful. The Mo Tab choir also sand as well as the special guest Rolando. He was Spanish and sang several Christmas songs in Spanish.

 We trekked back to the car at the gateway only to have the Jim Gaffagan concert get out at the same time (only because I wanted to go to the food court but it was closed--Gateway is a ghost town if you ask me!!), so then we waited for 30-40 minutes in the parking garage to get out. Mike prepaid the ticket only to find out when we left they weren't charging for parking and letting everyone out. Oh well. The longest night was almost over. We got home to sleeping L&L, Grandma practicing for her piano recital the next day and a bowl of cereal. Saturday after 2 basketball games, work and a temple trip we took the kids for the dinner we promised them the night before.

This was Thursday.  A night off from tumbling, swimming, mutual, basketball practice and we just hung out. The silly kids dog piled on Jack. He was a good sport holding an extra 200 pounds on top of him. He really does love these sisters of him. Even though some days he can be more emotional then they are! He is also eating like a hungry boy, must be growing! And I know he is, going into church Sunday I told him he couldn't wear the pants anymore because they were floods!

 Sunday we headed to Bill and Steph's for dinner -clam chowder- and gingerbread houses. A friend posted a picture of her cute real gingerbread houses. I ended up ordering 13 houses for us to decorate. Real gingerbread, included a bag of frosting and some candies to decorate. They were petite but really just the right size.

 We have quite the crew! Love this tradition. 

 Mike took one of the extras. He is down 8.5 pounds, working hard to win the biggest loser at his work weight loss challenge which ends in January. Tough time to watch your calories. He is doing great and hopes to be down 20 pounds in a month.

 Monday after swimming and piano we grabbed the kids and headed to the Vivant Arena for the Miller Christmas sing a long. We did this last year and it was a blizzard and the place was rather empty, not this year! Look at this place. It was so fun. singing loud for all to hear is definitely the best way to spread Christmas cheer!

 Our crew again. Bill and Steph arrived at 6 and got us a seat, we were there about 6:45pm and the lower bowl was packed. The concessions are 50 % off, so we enjoyed treats, and sang and the kids danced.

 The little girls even got on the jumbo tron --while we are singing cameras video people. It's fun to watch and sing at the same time.

After the program, we took Trax up to the Macy's Candy windows. How fun would this job be!!

 And then we walked over to see the lights and Christus at Temple Square!

 I've never seen so many sister Missionaries! Loved having them at every corner you turned to. We loved the spirit we felt as they shared their testimony and of course being in awe of all the lights. It's another check off our Christmas traditions that we love to do! Lots of checks actually. Month is almost 1/2 over, hope we get to the other traditions!

 On 1-15 driving home, this was up all day. LOL.

My friend Clairesse invited me to attend the Eclipse 6 concert with her. It was so fun and they are amazing. A Capella group. It was so fun, lots of kids were there, they are all Dad's and do this for fun. So talented. Here's a listen peak of one of their arrangements.

This week got 1/2 my neighbor gifts out, gave out jam from the abundance of jam we made. Plum and apple butter and apricot. Just mailed my Christmas cards yesterday. I re-did the pictures after I ordered them. Julie took our pics last minute and they turned out so cute. Up to 80 cards. But it's one of my favorite traditions! Love the hustle and bustle of the season. I've been working a ton trying to get year end past dues paid and hoping my Christmas shopping is done. Need to go check that list again! Merry Christmas.